Civil Engineering
Learn to solve global challenges across the natural and built environment through a world-leading education on this integrated Master’s degree.
Civil Engineering with a Year Abroad
Learn to solve global challenges across the natural and built environment through a world-leading education on this integrated Master’s degree with a year abroad.
Explore topics such as geotechnics, energy systems, materials, statistics, and fluid and structural mechanics.
Access state-of-the-art laboratories, develop design and practical skills, and benefit from strong industry links as you prepare you for a career in engineering
Challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment with an optional integrated year abroad.
Course key facts
-
Qualification
-
MEng
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2023
-
UCAS course code
H201
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 Home
£37,900 Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
5 : 1 (2021)
Minimum entry standard 2023
-
A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)
-
40 points (International Baccalaureate)
-
Qualification
-
MEng
-
-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2023
-
UCAS course code
H202
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,250 Home
£37,900 Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
5 : 1 (2021)
Minimum entry standard 2023
-
A*A*A or A*AAA (A-level)
-
40 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Civil engineering is about shaping the built and natural environments in which we live. It is a broad discipline that improves many aspects of our everyday lives, from the provision of safe drinking water to the development of earthquake-resistant structures, while also protecting our natural environment.
Civil engineers will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and leading sustainable development.
Exploring topics such as geotechnics, energy systems and professional engineering practice, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in engineering science and technology. You will then have the option to tailor your studies to suit your interests through a range of specialist modules, or continue with a broad programme.
Throughout this course, you'll integrate theory and practice and apply the knowledge you have gained in class to the real world. You will participate in a number of field trips, including practical land surveying and a geology field course, and Constructionarium, where you'll work in teams to construct scaled-down versions of well-known buildings, bridges, dams and other civil engineering projects.
You will also benefit from our department’s strong industry links and teaching and research facilities, which include a range of testing rigs, extensive computing provision, tension and compression machines, and wave generators and tanks.
At the end of this course, you'll have fully met the educational requirements for professional registration and taken the first step to becoming a Chartered Engineer.
Civil engineering is about shaping the built and natural environments in which we live. It is a broad discipline that improves many aspects of our everyday lives, from the provision of safe drinking water to the development of earthquake-resistant structures, while also protecting our natural environment.
Civil engineers will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and leading sustainable development.
Exploring topics such as geotechnics, energy systems and professional engineering practice, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in engineering science and technology. You will then have the option to tailor your studies to suit your interests through a range of specialist modules, or continue with a broad programme.
In your final year, you'll complete an integrated year abroad at one of our partner universities and challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment.
Throughout this course, you'll integrate theory and practice and apply the knowledge you have gained in class to the real world. You will participate in a number of field trips, including practical land surveying and a geology field course, and Constructionarium, where you'll work in teams to construct scaled-down versions of well-known buildings, bridges, dams and other civil engineering projects.
You will also benefit from our department's strong industry links and teaching and research facilities, which include a range of testing rigs, extensive computing provision, tension and compression machines, and wave generators and tanks.
At the end of this course, you'll have fully met the educational requirements for professional registration and taken the first step to becoming a Chartered Engineer.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
You’ll take the following core modules during your first year.
Core modules
Understand the wide scope of the civil engineering profession and the types of projects that you may contribute to in the future. Develop and strengthen key practical, professional and transferable skills that are required to meet the major challenges in society.
Develop essential engineering skills, working in groups and using problem-based learning to find solutions to real engineering projects
Build the mathematical knowledge, skills and techniques required throughout your civil engineering programme, and learn how mathematics is applied to help solve engineering problems.
Explore basic concepts in computer programming and numerical analysis and understand their importance within the discipline of civil engineering.
Learn the fundamental principles of mechanics, static and dynamic systems, and the different types of mechanics issues that can arise in civil engineering.
Examine the behaviour of common structural forms and how they carry external forces through the development of internal forces in structural elements.
Analyse the behaviour of commonly used civil engineering materials, and learn how to evaluate and select appropriate materials for different civil engineering applications.
Understand the physical processes governing the behaviour of fluids at rest and in motion, and gain insight into the practical world of civil engineering fluid mechanics.
Learn about fundamental soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, geotechnical design principles and the importance of developing a detailed understanding of ground conditions in successful civil engineering.
Explore the interdisciplinary nature of major processes in energy and environmental engineering. Gain an overview of the fundamental science in disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry and thermodynamics, focusing on their application to energy technologies and the environment.
You’ll take the following core modules during your second year.
Core modules
Work individually and within a team to develop, critique, defend and augment conceptual designs at multiple scales.
Equip yourself with an essential toolbox of applied mathematical techniques that can be used to solve real-world engineering problems.
Gain hands-on experience as you learn concepts of computer-assisted engineering, graphical presentation and programming. Solve a wide range of civil and environmental engineering problems using MATLAB.
Understand issues of uncertainty in civil and environmental engineering and learn how statistical tools are used to estimate uncertainty for different types of data.
Extend your knowledge of mechanics and structural mechanics and develop a deeper understanding of the physical behaviour of structural elements and systems.
Examine the structural design basis and behaviour of individual elements in both reinforced concrete structures and steel structures.
Broaden your understanding of fluid mechanics and the additional complexities associated with unsteady fluid flows, two-dimensional flows, and real (not ideal) fluids.
Learn the fundamental elements of soil and rock mechanics and the implications for engineering design, along with the associated geological histories and hazards.
Apply principles of hydrology and water engineering to understand the concepts and processes governing the natural and man-made water cycle.
Explore the business environment in which civil engineering projects take place, focusing on concepts such as risk management, supply chains, project management and procurement, worker safety and environmental impact.
You’ll take the following core modules during your third year.
You’ll also choose one optional module from Group A and one from Group B.
The list of optional modules is indicative.
Core modules
Consolidate your technical knowledge through practical application as you work on a significant civil engineering design project. Gain teamwork skills and real-world insight into the design process through industrial partnering on the project.
Learn the principal computational methods for civil engineering and assess the accuracy of computer-based solutions within structural and geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Explore how structures reach the point of ultimate failure, and understand key issues regarding geometric and material nonlinearities, methods for analyses, and practical considerations of construction and safety.
Examine the basic principles of dynamics as applied to structural engineering, and learn how to formulate and solve engineering problems related to the modelling, design and assessment of structures subjected to dynamic action.
Extend your understanding of turbulent mixing and transport processes in fluid mechanics and understand their significance in areas of pollutant dispersion and in the modelling of natural and man-made hazards.
Build upon your knowledge of soil mechanics with this introduction to geotechnical design, focusing on slope stability analysis, foundation design and retaining wall design.
Uncover the fundamental principles for the design of drinking water supply and treatment works, wastewater collection and treatment systems, and strategies for waste and resource management.
Explore the design principles of transport systems and their application to the movement of people and goods within the wider context of the civil engineering profession.
Choose from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department and learn alongside students from other areas of study.
Optional modules - Group A
Learn how to apply systematic procedures for geometric and material nonlinear structural analysis, use advanced nonlinear analysis software and undertake stability and buckling analysis for multi-degree of freedom structural systems.
Explore the fundamental concepts and principles of the analysis and design of thin-walled shell-structures.
Understand the nearshore characteristics of waves, currents, tides and storm surges, and learn techniques for calculating the wave and current processes that occur in the coastal zone.
Explore the process of locating, designing, constructing and maintaining highways. Uncover concepts relating to speed limits, route location, horizontal and vertical alignment, pavement design, surface drainage and earthworks requirements for highway construction.
Optional modules - Group B
Develop a sound understanding of concrete structure design and learn advanced design techniques such as stress field analysis and strut and tie modelling.
Learn the core principles of design in timber and masonry and develop your structural design skills in the conception and sizing of typical timber and masonry elements.
Study concepts such as traffic flow measurement and analysis, queuing theory, principles of traffic signal control, management of road user groups, motorway monitoring theory, and survey methods and data analysis techniques used by traffic engineers.
You’ll complete an individual research project during your fourth year.
You’ll also choose five optional modules from the indicative list below.
Core modules
Undertake a specific piece of independent research in the form of a critical review, laboratory- or field-based experimental investigation, modelling/numerical analysis project, or a design-related project.
Optional modules
Explore operational research methods used in the systems approach to engineering and management, and the requisite tools for mathematical representation of decision-making problems.
Build upon your structural analysis knowledge to examine the design fundamentals of structural steelwork elements and the conceptual design of a range of structural framing systems.
Develop a sound understanding of concrete structure design and demonstrate the application of theory to practice through a design project.
Learn the fundamental principles of the structural behaviour and design criteria of prestressed concrete structures, and understand the mechanics that define its internal forces.
Extend your existing skills in structural dynamics and gain the knowledge required to undertake seismic analysis.
Enhance your understanding of fluid flows and fluid loading processes and investigate both steady and unsteady flows across a wide range of hydrodynamic civil applications.
Examine the main geotechnical hazards – landslides, volcanoes, tsunamis and earthquakes – and their potential damaging effects on the built environment, and learn the fundamental elements of engineering seismology, seismic hazard assessment and soil dynamics.
Interpret facets of soil behaviour for advanced design of geotechnical structures and explore the importance of computer-based geotechnical design calculations.
Reflect upon the fundamental concepts and design philosophies related to timber and masonry elements and harness your knowledge through the design of simple conventional structures.
Understand the key principles and emerging trends in the design, modelling and control of water supply and wastewater collection networks, and wastewater treatment processes.
Obtain the knowledge and skills to appraise water resources demand and availability, and devise engineering solutions needed for optimal resource management.
Learn the basic principles of waste and resource management in the context of civil engineering and gain knowledge and skills in the management, treatment, disposal and recycling options for solid waste.
Study concepts such as traffic flow measurement and analysis, queuing theory, principles of traffic signal control, management of road user groups, motorway monitoring theory, and survey methods and data analysis techniques used by traffic engineers.
Cultivate a rigorous mathematical understanding of the principal techniques used for modelling travel demand, transport supply, network performance and the appraisal of transport policies and projects.
Study the principal environmental impacts, risks and safety concerns of transport, and discover tools and techniques for evaluating the effects on air quality, noise and climate at local and global scales.
You’ll take the following core modules during your first year.
Core modules
Understand the wide scope of the civil engineering profession and the types of projects that you may contribute to in the future. Develop and strengthen key practical, professional and transferable skills that are required to meet the major challenges in society.
Develop essential engineering skills, working in groups and using problem-based learning to find solutions to real engineering projects
Build the mathematical knowledge, skills and techniques required throughout your civil engineering programme, and learn how mathematics is applied to help solve engineering problems.
Explore basic concepts in computer programming and numerical analysis and understand their importance within the discipline of civil engineering.
Learn the fundamental principles of mechanics, static and dynamic systems, and the different types of mechanics issues that can arise in civil engineering.
Examine the behaviour of common structural forms and how they carry external forces through the development of internal forces in structural elements.
Analyse the behaviour of commonly used civil engineering materials, and learn how to evaluate and select appropriate materials for different civil engineering applications.
Understand the physical processes governing the behaviour of fluids at rest and in motion, and gain insight into the practical world of civil engineering fluid mechanics.
Learn about fundamental soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, geotechnical design principles and the importance of developing a detailed understanding of ground conditions in successful civil engineering.
Explore the interdisciplinary nature of major processes in energy and environmental engineering. Gain an overview of the fundamental science in disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry and thermodynamics, focusing on their application to energy technologies and the environment.
You’ll take the following core modules during your second year.
Core modules
Work individually and within a team to develop, critique, defend and augment conceptual designs at multiple scales.
Equip yourself with an essential toolbox of applied mathematical techniques that can be used to solve real-world engineering problems.
Gain hands-on experience as you learn concepts of computer-assisted engineering, graphical presentation and programming. Solve a wide range of civil and environmental engineering problems using MATLAB.
Understand issues of uncertainty in civil and environmental engineering and learn how statistical tools are used to estimate uncertainty for different types of data.
Extend your knowledge of mechanics and structural mechanics and develop a deeper understanding of the physical behaviour of structural elements and systems.
Examine the structural design basis and behaviour of individual elements in both reinforced concrete structures and steel structures.
Broaden your understanding of fluid mechanics and the additional complexities associated with unsteady fluid flows, two-dimensional flows, and real (not ideal) fluids.
Learn the fundamental elements of soil and rock mechanics and the implications for engineering design, along with the associated geological histories and hazards.
Apply principles of hydrology and water engineering to understand the concepts and processes governing the natural and man-made water cycle.
Explore the business environment in which civil engineering projects take place, focusing on concepts such as risk management, supply chains, project management and procurement, worker safety and environmental impact.
You’ll take the following core modules during your third year.
You’ll also choose one optional module from Group A and one from Group B.
The list of optional modules is indicative.
Core modules
Consolidate your technical knowledge through practical application as you work on a significant civil engineering design project. Gain teamwork skills and real-world insight into the design process through industrial partnering on the project.
Learn the principal computational methods for civil engineering and assess the accuracy of computer-based solutions within structural and geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Explore how structures reach the point of ultimate failure, and understand key issues regarding geometric and material nonlinearities, methods for analyses, and practical considerations of construction and safety.
Examine the basic principles of dynamics as applied to structural engineering, and learn how to formulate and solve engineering problems related to the modelling, design and assessment of structures subjected to dynamic action.
Extend your understanding of turbulent mixing and transport processes in fluid mechanics and understand their significance in areas of pollutant dispersion and in the modelling of natural and man-made hazards.
Build upon your knowledge of soil mechanics with this introduction to geotechnical design, focusing on slope stability analysis, foundation design and retaining wall design.
Uncover the fundamental principles for the design of drinking water supply and treatment works, wastewater collection and treatment systems, and strategies for waste and resource management.
Explore the design principles of transport systems and their application to the movement of people and goods within the wider context of the civil engineering profession.
Choose from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department and learn alongside students from other areas of study.
Optional modules - Group A
Learn how to apply systematic procedures for geometric and material nonlinear structural analysis, use advanced nonlinear analysis software and undertake stability and buckling analysis for multi-degree of freedom structural systems.
Explore the fundamental concepts and principles of the analysis and design of thin-walled shell-structures.
Understand the nearshore characteristics of waves, currents, tides and storm surges, and learn techniques for calculating the wave and current processes that occur in the coastal zone.
Explore the process of locating, designing, constructing and maintaining highways. Uncover concepts relating to speed limits, route location, horizontal and vertical alignment, pavement design, surface drainage and earthworks requirements for highway construction.
Optional modules - Group B
Develop a sound understanding of concrete structure design and learn advanced design techniques such as stress field analysis and strut and tie modelling.
Learn the core principles of design in timber and masonry and develop your structural design skills in the conception and sizing of typical timber and masonry elements.
Study concepts such as traffic flow measurement and analysis, queuing theory, principles of traffic signal control, management of road user groups, motorway monitoring theory, and survey methods and data analysis techniques used by traffic engineers.
Your fourth year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland or the USA.
We currently have exchange agreements with:
- University of Melbourne, Australia
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
- University of Grenoble, France
- Ecole de Ponts et Chaussees, France
- RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Politecnico di Torino, Italy
- Technical University of Delft, Netherlands
- UPC Barcelona, Spain
- University Polytechnic of Madrid, Spain
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- University of California, USA
This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.
Professional accreditation
This degree is accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising:
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Institution of Structural Engineers
- Institute of Highway Engineers
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
- Permanent Way Institution
With this integrated Master’s degree, you’ll fully meet the educational requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.
Our accreditation agreement with members of the Joint Board of Moderators is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed in 2026.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, seminars and similar
- Independent study
Year 1
- 39% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 61% Independent study
Year 2
- 35% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 65% Independent study
Year 3
- 23% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 77% Independent study
Year 4
- 12% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 88% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Laboratory activities
-
Tutorials
-
Personal tutorials
-
Presentations
-
Individual research project
-
Site visits and field trips
-
Group exercises and design projects
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Constructionarium
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Examination
Year 1
- 32% Coursework
- 68% Examination
Year 2
- 51% Coursework
- 49% Examination
Year 3
- 37% Coursework
- 63% Examination
Year 4
- 67% Coursework
- 33% Examination
Assessment methods
-
Written examinations
-
Coursework
-
Laboratory experiment reports
-
Computer-based exercises
-
Dissertation
-
Presentations
-
Design projects
-
Self-reflective writing
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, seminars and similar
- Independent study
Year 1
- 39% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 61% Independent study
Year 2
- 35% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 65% Independent study
Year 3
- 23% Lectures, seminars and similar
- 77% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Laboratory activities
-
Tutorials
-
Personal tutorials
-
Presentations
-
Individual research project
-
Site visits and field trips
-
Group exercises and design projects
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Constructionarium
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Examination
Year 1
- 32% Coursework
- 68% Examination
Year 2
- 51% Coursework
- 49% Examination
Year 3
- 37% Coursework
- 63% Examination
Assessment methods
-
Written examinations
-
Coursework
-
Laboratory experiment reports
-
Computer-based exercises
-
Dissertation
-
Presentations
-
Design projects
-
Self-reflective writing
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Applications for 2023 entry are closed
Application deadlines — 25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time)
Applications for 2023 entry are closed
Application deadlines — 25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time)
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your UCAS application indicates that you have the potential to thrive at the College you will be asked to complete a short online test and a video submission.
The online test comprises a number of multiple-choice questions on A-level standard Maths and Physics. The video submission is also completed online, in your own time. We will ask you to respond to questions that touch on your motivation, experiences and reasoning skills.
The results of these will then be considered along with all the information on your UCAS form and a final decision will be taken. We do not apply a pass/fail criteria to either the maths test or the video submission.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
This course is available with or without a Year Abroad.
The Year Abroad course gives you the chance to spend your final year studying at one of our partner universities overseas.
Selection takes place in the third year and placements are competitive, so only students with average year one and two marks of 67% and above at the time of selection will be eligible. Priority is given to applicants who have no prior overseas study experience.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France, Germany, Spain and Italy, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 60% or above will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students with marks of 70% or above will be eligible for placements in Singapore and the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£9,250 per year
Year abroad
2023 entry
£1,385 for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£37,900 per year
Year abroad
2023 entry
100% of the fee for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Your future career
Get industry exposure through visiting lecturers, field trips, the Constructionarium, our creative design course, and group and individual projects.
Take advantage of networking opportunities with potential future employers.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Transport planning, structural engineering, civil engineering, and geotechnical engineering are just some of your options.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 5965
- Email: ciugo@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications